Apps for a smoother journey

TourWrist turns a panoramic photo into an interactive picture. Shown here on the iPhone.

TourWrist turns a panoramic photo into an interactive picture. Shown here on the iPhone. (Adam Caira / For The Times)

Terry Gardner, Special to the Los Angeles Times

Whether you're looking for a cruise or looking to find more enjoyment from your trip on the high seas, apps can help. Here are some favorites from experts on the cruise industry. All of the apps work with iOS devices (iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads), and several also have Android versions. Other operating systems are noted.

Cruise! A Guide to Ships and Trips, by Anne Chalfant, from SutroMedia (iOS): Assists novice-to-veteran cruisers with filters to sort cruises based on price, pampering, kid-friendliness, etc. Global itineraries include Africa, Alaska, the Arctic and Australia. Chalfant describes the app as providing "the lowdown on everything from how cruise lines make their money (and how you can save yours) to tips on getting the best cabin, the best ship for kids, the right itinerary," etc. More than 1,100 photos are onboard, and Chalfant updates the app frequently. $3.99

Deck Director (iOS with an HD version for iPad): Keeps cruisers from getting lost onboard Holland America, Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean ships. Deck plans for three ships are included; additional plans can be purchased in app. The app itself is free.

WT360 Pro from Weather Trends International (iOS): Weather app with predictive abilities to project weather up to a year in advance. 99 cents (or free for a Lite version with ads)

Voxer (iOS, Android): Allows you to send text, audio and photo messages to friends, family and fellow shipmates. It requires a data connection. Free

The Storyteller App, by Crystal Cruises (iOS): A photo app for cruisers to customize and share photos of their cruise, and it includes an option to create a paper postcard that can be signed and mailed during the cruise. Free